Former DRX LCK coach Jeong-soo “Kim” Kim is suing the organization for improper termination.
Following a poor start to the split, coach Kim was dismissed from DRX seemingly suddenly. After his dismissal from the organization, contextual clues seemed to point to there being more to the dismissal than internal synergy issues.
Coach Kim’s dismissal came after DRX’s disappointing 0-3 start to the 2022 LCK split. Marksman player and bottom lane legend Hyeok-gyu “Deft” Kim publically stated that the players had no issue with Kim and would prefer that he return to the team. This revelation was surprising given that often mid-split coaching changes often result from issues with internal dynamics, but here was the team’s captain saying they had no problems with the ex-coach.
This revelation implied that the decision was made by management further up in DRX rather than the team itself. Kim offered to share the details surrounding his dismissal should DRX allow him to speak out.
DRX has not publically addressed Kim’s request to speak openly about his experience but did hold a press conference that leveled accusations of improper behavior from Kim. According to the statement made by general manager Byeong-hoon “ccCarter” Choi, Kim failed to uphold duties outlined in his contract, missed meetings, and had unacceptable, though unspecified, behavior during team scrims.
Kim’s agency, Shadow Corporation, announced the former DRX LCK coach would be seeking legal reparations over his dismissal, which they characterized as unfair. Kim acknowledged he may have had some shortcomings as a coach, but cited DRX’s LCK championship as proof of his ability as a member of the coaching staff.
A post translating the announcement garnered attention among the English-speaking community on Reddit, with many fans unsure of which side to come down on.
The issue will take a while yet to be resolved, as legal proceedings can take anywhere from months to years depending on the extent of litigation.
Players must be 21 years of age or older or reach the minimum age for gambling in their respective state and located in jurisdictions where online gambling is legal. Please play responsibly. Bet with your head, not over it. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, and wants help, call or visit: (a) the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey at 1-800-Gambler or www.800gambler.org; or (b) Gamblers Anonymous at 855-2-CALL-GA or www.gamblersanonymous.org.
